Pakistan to launch first hyperspectral satellite on October 19
The launch marks a major milestone, ushering in a new era of advanced space-based applications for agriculture and environmental monitoring
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) – Pakistan will launch its first Hyperspectral Satellite (HS-1) on October 19 from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) announced Wednesday, according to the state news agency.
The launch marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s space program, ushering in a new era of advanced space-based applications for agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.
Equipped with hyperspectral imaging technology, HS-1 will enable precision farming by providing high-resolution data on crop health, soil moisture, and irrigation patterns. SUPARCO estimates that the data could help improve crop yield forecasts by up to 20 percent, boosting national food security.
In urban planning, the satellite’s sensors will help track environmental changes, map infrastructure, and monitor urban expansion. Its ability to identify spectral signatures of man-made structures will aid sustainable city planning and efficient resource management.
For environmental monitoring and disaster response, HS-1 will play a crucial role in early warning and rapid assessment systems, assisting in flood forecasting, landslide detection, and geo-hazard monitoring—particularly across northern Pakistan and along the Karakoram Highway.
The satellite’s data will also support post-disaster evaluations, transportation planning, and water resource management while providing critical insights into deforestation, land degradation, and seismic activity.
HS-1 joins Pakistan’s growing remote sensing fleet, which includes PRSS-1 (launched in 2018), EO-1 (January 2025), and KS-1 (July 2025). The new satellite strengthens Pakistan’s space infrastructure and aligns with SUPARCO’s Vision 2047, aimed at advancing national development through science, technology, and innovation.
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